Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the protective effect and mechanisms of four common species of sea cucumbers
on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced intestinal mucosa damage. Methods: Seventy mice were randomly divided into
seven groups, including normal group, model group, positive control group, Apostichopus japonicus group, Isostichopus
badionotus group, Thelenota ananas group and Acaudina molpadioidea group. A mouse model of intestinal mucosal damage
was induced by CTX injection. The changes in body weight, spleen index, thymus index, villus (V) length, crypt (C) depth
and V/C ratio were detected. SIgA, IFN-γ and IL-4 contents in intestinal mucosa were detected by ELISA and IFN-γ/IL-4
ratiowas calculated. IgA protein expression was detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the model group, spleen
index, V/C and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in mice administered with sea cucumbers were significantly improved. The secretion of
SIgA were dramatically enhanced in the mice from Apostichopus japonicus and Thelenota ananas groups when compared
with the mice from the model group, which was correlated with the enhancement of IgA expression. Conclusion: All four
common species of sea cucumbers can significantly protect the intestine mucosa in mice from CTX-induced damage, and
Apostichopus japonicas and Thelenota ananas are more effective.

Key words: sea cucumber, cyclophosphamide, intestinal mucosal immunity, Th1/Th2, V/C, SIgA